Dogs can get lice just like people can. Lice are tiny parasitic creatures that attach to the dog's hair and feed on their blood. They can cause a lot of discomfort for your dog, and they can be difficult to get rid of. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to identify lice in dogs, and we'll provide some tips on how to get rid of them. We'll also discuss some of the signs that your dog might have lice, and we'll provide some advice on how to prevent your dog from getting them in the first place.
What are lice in dogs?
Lice in dogs or pediculosis is an infestation of either biting or sucking lice and a louse is the singular term. Lice are small, wingless insects which spend their entire life cycle on a host. They lay eggs (nits) on the shafts of hair and they appear as white flakes. The nymph hatches from the ova and becomes an adult louse that is species-specific to its animal host. Infestation with these bugs can be contracted by direct contact or contaminated combs or brushes in the environment. Most lice are species-specific, so dogs' lice will not affect cats or people.
Chewing lice feed on skin secretions, dried blood, and fur whereas the sucking lice feed on blood and fluids. Typically, biting lice are commonly found on the back of dogs, and sucking lice are found around the ears and body openings.
What are the causes of lice in dogs?
Lice in dogs is caused by exposure to lice-infested animals, either directly or indirectly through contaminated items. They can also be transmitted between dogs if they come into close contact with lice-infested pets such as during grooming or play. Puppies and older dogs are generally more prone to lice infestations.
Dogs that share a home with lice-infested pets are more likely to get lice and lice can also be transmitted from pet to pet through shared bedding or grooming tools. Additionally, lice can be spread by direct contact between dogs, especially if they share the same bedding and have frequent contact with one another.
What symptoms do dogs have when infected with lice?
Some of the main symptoms associated with lice infestation include itching, hair loss, and visible lice on the fur. Dogs infected with the biting species of lice tend to be itchier, while lice that feed on the dog's blood can cause visible lice on the skin. Dogs may also experience sores or lesions from scratching and biting at their skin due to irritation.
How are lice in dogs diagnosed?
One of the easiest ways to diagnose lice in dogs is by visual inspection of the coat, especially where lice tend to congregate. If you notice any lice or louse eggs on your dog's hair, this can be a telltale sign that your pet has lice. In some cases, your veterinarian may also perform a skin scraping or lice combing to look for lice eggs and larvae on the dog's skin.
Treatment for lice in dogs
Treatment of lice infestations or pediculosis may be carried out in many ways:
- Selamectin (Revolution®) - A topical medication that is very effective even after one dose, but a repeat application is recommended 2-4 weeks after the first application.
- Ivermectin - Administered orally or by injection twice, separated by 2 weeks.
- Insecticidal collars (Seresto®)
- Lime sulphur dips - Applied to the body twice 2 weeks apart.
- Fipronil (Frontline®) - Applied topically twice, 2-4 weeks apart.
Many lice are quickly killed by the above products, with most parasites eliminated within 2-7 days. In some cases, multiple treatments may be necessary.
Before applying topical therapies, it is important to clip matted hair to improve its efficacy. Bedding and grooming tools should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
How can lice in dogs be prevented?
If your dog has lice, it's important to treat all dogs that have been in contact with them. Monthly applications of a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication can help prevent lice infestations in dogs. Other preventative measures you can take include cleaning and disinfecting dog bedding regularly, cleaning combs, brushes, and grooming tools after each use, and reducing your pet's contact with lice-infested animals.
If you have multiple dogs at home or frequently groom your pets yourself, these preventive steps can help prevent lice infestations in dogs. With proper prevention and treatment, lice in dogs can be easily managed and your pet's health can be restored to normal.
Can dog lice be transferred to people or other pets?
Lice in dogs (pediculosis) is not a disease that can be passed from animals to humans. Additionally, lice in dogs are species-specific, meaning that lice that affect dogs cannot affect other animals or humans. If you think your dog has lice, it's important to take them to the vet for treatment to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Lice in dogs is a common parasitic infection, most commonly seen in puppies. Symptoms of lice in dogs cause itching, hair loss (alopecia), crusting, and visible white flecks through the hair coat. There are many ways to treat lice in dogs, but it is important to clean combs, brushes, bedding, and grooming tools regularly to prevent infestations. Monthly applications of a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication can help prevent lice in dogs. With proper prevention and treatment, lice in dogs can be easily managed and your pet's health can be restored to normal. If you have any questions or are concerned that your dog may have lice, please contact your veterinarian.